Knott's Scary Farm Haunt 2008
- Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA
- 2008 dates: September 25-28, October 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, and 22-26, 29-31, and Nov. 1.
- Cost: There is a separate admission to Knott's Scary Farm. Tickets are $52.99 at the gate and, depending on the date, either $47.99 or $49.99 in advance. Group discounts available (call 714-220-5163 for info).
Other admission options include a "V.I.M" (Very Important Monster) guided tour. For the very pricey fee of $2000, up to six guests will get front-of-the-line entry into the mazes and a personal guide. The tours require advance reservations by calling (714) 220-5298. There are also "Pre-Scare Dinner" and "Post-Scare Breakfast packages as well as hotel packages available.
- Knott's Scary Farm Haunt photo gallery.
- For more info: (714) 220-5000
- Official Knott's Scary Farm 2008 Web site. Presale tickets are available online.
Among the seven stage shows is the always wildly inventive The Hanging, which takes a cheeky look at current events through blood-colored glasses. Other highlights Dr. Cleaver's Big Election (which has nothing to do with "Leave it to Beaver") and Festival of Freaks, professional weirdoes that eat glass and stick their fingers in light sockets (ouch!).
Many of Knott's regular rides will be open in addition to the Halloween mayhem. Particularly appropriate: the wonderful Ghost Rider wooden coaster.
Be forewarned: Knott's doesn't skimp on the gross-out gore. It's probably best to leave the younger kiddos at home. (On the weekends, the park offers the Knott's Treasure Hunt in Camp Snoopy--redubbed Camp Spooky, a daytime, tamed-down Halloween event expressly for smaller children and included with regular park admission).
Halloween Horror Nights
- Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, CA
- 2008 dates: Beginning October 3
- Cost: The nighttime event requires a separate admission: Prices have yet to be announced by Universal Studios Hollywood
- For more info: 1-800-UNIVERSAL
- Official Halloween Horror Nights Web site. Presale tickets are available online.
At the time that I wrote this, details had not been released about Universal Hollywood's 2008 Halloween Horror Nights event. While it's not as big or lavish as the event at its sister park, Universal Orlando, the two parks will likely share the same theme.
Many of the park's regular rides, such as the particularly timely Revenge of the Mummy, will be open for the event.
More California Halloween Events
The next page has info about Six Flags Fright Fest, Disney's HalloweenTime, and other events.
